Tag Archives: #thoughts

#inspiration, #spirituality

Rebellious

We are rebellious by nature. Our natural tendency to be rebellious dates back to the beginning of mankind when Adam and Eve rebelled against God. Some things never change!

Not all rebellion is bad. Think about the American Revolution. Our ancestors rebelled against the British, they won, and what eventually became The United States was established. Abraham Lincoln rebelled against slavery. Our country became divided, yet Lincoln’s resolve abolished slavery and the country was restored.

In today’s culture, we have those who choose to rebel against good. They will not prevail. In the end, goodness wins every time…

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#inspiration

New Year. New Who?

The New Year is right around the corner. Soon it will be 2024. Many people set New Year’s Resolutions and go into the new year determined to change. But what really changes?

Starting anew and replacing a bad habit with a good one is always a good idea. Maybe you begin exercising after laying off for a while. Perhaps you start eating better. Whatever it is, commit to it and don’t quit. Do not let anyone, including yourself, talk you out of the new version of you!

Focus on improving one day at a time. Progress happens if you simply trust the process and keep going…

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#inspiration

Annoyances

We all have things (people) who get on our nerves. They just annoy us whether we understand why or not.

My brother had this irritating habit of chewing his food with his mouth open. Even worse, he made a loud smacking noise when eating. The more he knew that it bugged me, the more he did it. Ugh!

Yet I learned something. I learned to eat quietly so I didn’t bother someone with my eating. I was acutely aware of my behavior, and I still am.

Annoyances are there to teach us, not necessarily just to bother us…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Extra

We love extras, don’t we? Unless it’s extra weight, most extras are welcome additions.

A Baker’s Dozen is thirteen. Extra effort is easily recognized. “Extra Extra” meant something big was happening.

Let’s strive to be extraordinary in our lives. Set the example. Lead others well. You don’t need to use words for others to recognize you are exceptional. Show them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Heart Reveals All

We all know people who have accomplished much in their lives. They have long, impressive resumes. But there is more to us than our accomplishments.

The heart of mankind tells all. What is our motivation? Are we selfish or selfless? Service to others shows true leadership. To effectively lead others, we must be willing to serve without calling attention to ourselves. God knows what we have done. He keeps an accurate accounting so we don’t have to.

Lead well…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Spirit of Christmas

We are nine days away from Christmas. Do you feel the Christmas spirit?

In today’s culture, many have replaced Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. I’m fine with either greeting. After all, it’s just a greeting. No one is trying to force their religion on you by saying Merry Christmas.

The commercialization of Christmas has been going on as long as I have been alive and aware. Yet we long for simpler times.

Whatever you celebrate, keep the Spirit of Christmas alive in your heart because that’s where it lives…

Here’s a little perspective from Linus Van Pelt:

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Medicine

Laughter is the best medicine, isn’t it? There are some other great medicines we might overlook. Consider the following treatments: exercise, sunshine, sleep, human interaction and peace of mind. These help us recharge and heal. Our bodies were made for natural remedies, not pills.

Take your health into your own hands. Be your biggest cheerleader because you’re going to need a cheering section. Don’t quit when you feel like giving up, and you will. Prepare yourself for something great to begin…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Pleasantries

Oftentimes people greet us with, “How are you doing?” It’s nice of others to ask, but do they really care? I believe they do care.

I’m a greeter at my church on Sunday mornings. I like the volunteer work because I’m a friendly guy who likes to interact with people. Sometimes when I ask people how they are, they reply “okay.” One guy actually said “pretty shitty” and never broke stride! Mere pleasantries are not going to change these people’s day from just okay or pretty shitty to great. But I do offer a few words of genuine encouragement.

Check on people. Call them. Text them. Send them cards. People need to know that they are thought of and cared about…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Renewal

The beginning of the new year is right around the corner. Many people set New Year’s Resolutions, vowing to change some things in themselves. But why wait until January 1st? Start now.

Think of how far you will be in three weeks when 2024 actually arrives. Focus on how you will feel. You aren’t giving anything up. You are investing in yourself.

Start tomorrow on the renewal of you. Better yet, start right now…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Staying Positive

The culture of today will tear you down if you get caught up in it. Fear of missing out, likes and shares of our social media posts and comparison will suck the life out of you if that is your focus. How do you maintain a positive mindset in this environment?

Self-work along with self reflection are vital components to maintaining the right attitude. Work on being the best version of yourself. This work never ends because there is no arrival destination. We are all works in progress or works in regression. If you ever think you’ve hit the top, you haven’t.

Take the time to reflect on how you are doing. Be accountable and fair with yourself, but don’t be too hard on yourself, either. Hold yourself to a high standard and don’t compromise your values. Stay focused.

If you find yourself missing today’s crazy culture, it will still be waiting for you to return. I don’t think you will…

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